[Wentworth, N.C.]— The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office is once again teaming up with the American Red Cross of Rockingham County to collect donations of fans to help our elderly neighbors without a means to cool off during the upcoming hot summer months. This year, we are starting off the drive with a large donation and a challenge from the Eden Professional FireFighters Association Local 2723.

“The Eden Professional FireFighters Association Local 2723 donated a surprising 110 fans for the Sheriff’s Office and American Red Cross’ ‘Fans for the Elderly’ program”, said Joe Powell of the association. “Special thank yous go to Speedy's Restaurant, Webb Heating & Air, Leaksville Fire Dept, Draper Fire Dept. and the individual community members for their additional donations. Without this great community supporting us we could never have achieved such a success. Local 2723 is proud to coordinate this project in the Eden community and to be joining Sheriff Page in helping those in need in our community. We challenge other local Emergency Service and Public Safety Organizations to meet or beat our donation of 110 fans.”

“We are proud to team up again this year with the American Red Cross of Rockingham County to help out our elderly neighbors in need; and what a wonderful way to start off this year’s “Fans for the Elderly” donation drive!” said Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. “The Eden Professional FireFighters Association Local 2723 is definitely helping us start things off right, but we still need the community’s help. Each year the need exceeds the donations received, even after taking in a record 433 fans during last year’s drive. Remember, each fan donated make a difference in someone’s life.”

The 2017 “Fans for the Elderly” donation drive will run through August 15th. Donations can be made 24/7 at the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office located at 170 N.C. 65 Reidsville, N.C. or at the American Red Cross located at 3692 N.C. 14 Reidsville, N.C. from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM weekdays.